Method and apparatus for treatment of a rotor blade on a windmill

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for treatment of a surface of a rotor blade of a windmill, the apparatus being placed in such a manner to be moveable in relation to the surface of a rotor blade, and the apparatus being caused to move depending on a form of treatment determined by means for treatment mounted on, in or next to the apparatus. In this manner, various forms of treatment of a rotor blade may be carried out such as for instance washing, finishing, sealing, etc.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus fortreatment, including washing, sealing, painting, drying and/orexamination, of a rotor blade on a windmill.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within the field of windmills, it is commonly known that in order for awindmill to generate an optimal yield, the aerodynamic conditions of thewindmill, including especially the aerodynamic conditions of the rotorblade, must be met. Thus, the manufacturers of windmills place greateffort into making the rotor blades as efficient as possible in order togenerate a good operating ratio. This does not only include the shape ofthe rotor blades, but also the surface character of the rotor blade, asit is an object to manufacture a surface which is as smooth as possible.

However, it is also realized that after a somewhat brief period ofoperation, e.g. six months, the rotor blades of a windmill may be sodirty from dust, salt coatings, dead insects, bird droppings and othersurface coatings, that the efficiency of a given windmill may be reducedby 10 to 15% depending on the relevant wind speed.

Thus, it has been realized that it is desirable to carry out a cleaningand subsequent sealing of the windmill wings on a regular basis,depending on the relevant location of the windmill.

So far, such cleanings have been carried out manually by bringing thewindmill to a stop and locking it into positions in which the rotorblades point towards the ground. Subsequently, each rotor blade has beenrinsed individually and manually by using various arrangements toprovide the manpower with the necessary work position and height.

Such a hoisting arrangement is known from German utility model DE 296 03278 U in which suspension means are fastened to each of the two rotorblades near the hub of the rotor once the windmill has been brought to astop and with one rotor blade pointing straight downwards. A specialwork platform with a through-going slit at the bottom has been fixed tothese suspension means so that the rotor blade pointing downwards couldbe inserted into this slit. The work platform has subsequently beenhoisted upwards in a stepwise manner, while the crew has rinsed thesurface of the rotor blade manually, e.g. with one person located oneach side of the rotor blade.

Even with such an arrangement, it is a time-consuming process to carryout a cleaning of the rotor blades of a windmill, just as such a knownarrangement would probably require the use of machinery, such as acrane, for fixation of the suspension means. Thus, it could be claimedthat two individuals, when mid-sized windmills are involved, wouldprobably not be able to clean more than 4 windmills per day.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally presents a method and an apparatus, whereby ahigher degree of automation in the cleaning, sealing and examiningprocess of windmill rotor blades may be obtained.

Also, the invention presents such a method and such an apparatus that asignificant rationalization and a reduction of costs of the cleaning maybe obtained.

Further, the invention presents a method and an apparatus, whereby anincreased efficiency gain may be obtained as the object is also toimprove and create a more uniform result of the cleaning and sealing.

In addition, the invention obtains a method and an apparatus capable ofsubsequent surface treatment, e.g. with a preventive effect againstsoiling, such as wax treatment etc.

Thus, also the invention presents a method and an apparatus, whereby theuseful life of the rotor blades may be increased, and whereby theefficiency—and thus the financial gain from a windmill—may be improved.

Further, the invention presents a method and an apparatus whereby it ispossible to avoid having persons carry out a relatively demanding job atrisky work heights and under conditions which are not optimal.

Also, invention presents a method and an apparatus, whereby thetreatment of rotor blades, including especially washing and sealing, maybe carried out with environmentally friendly means and with minimalconsumption of water, cleaning articles and sealing agents.

Also, invention presents a method and an apparatus, whereby additionalwork operations may be carried out simultaneously with or instead ofcleaning work etc.

Additionally, the invention presents a method and an apparatus, wherebyother treatments may be carried out with only minimal use of manual worksuch as surface treatments, e.g. painting of the rotor blades of awindturbine, inspection of the rotor blade, measurements of the rotorblade etc.

These and other advantages are obtained by the invention as will beexplained in detail in the following.

According to the invention, a method of treatment of a surface of awindmill rotor blade is characterized by

-   -   placing an apparatus in such a manner that it is moveable in        relation to the surface of a rotor blade, and by    -   bringing the apparatus into movement depending on a form of        treatment determined by means for treatment mounted on, in or        next to the apparatus.

In this manner, treatment of the rotor blade may be carried out withouthaving to arrange for hoisting devices, scaffolding or the likenecessary for manual treatment. Further, it is possible to avoidexposing persons carrying out such treatment, e.g. washing and sealingof the rotor blades, to the relevant unfavourable conditions which meansthat an improvement in the working environment may be obtained. Further,a high degree of automation of such treatment processes may be obtained,just as such treatments may be carried out quicker and more efficiently.Naturally, this may also result in an increase in the efficiency of awindmill, on which such treatment has been carried out, just as anincrease in the useful life of the windmill may be obtained, dependingon the nature of treatment, thereby making it a financial gain to theowner and to society.

It should be noted that treatment includes an extensive list ofoperations or actions carried out in connection with a rotor blade.Thus, it includes washing, other cleaning, drying, e.g. by air, heatedair, radiation etc., painting, pre-treatment, finishing, sealing of thesurface etc. Furthermore, it includes inspection of the surface,examination of the surface or of the rotor blade as such, e.g. by meansof known examination methods such as radiation examinations etc.

Thus, it is a given that the form of treatment is determined by themeans for treatment mounted on, in or next to the apparatus for thatspecific purpose, which will be decisive for the way the apparatus movesin relation to the rotor blade.

It is obvious that the type and nature of such means, which maynaturally comprise several parts, mounted in, on or next to theapparatus, or simply one part mounted as a single unit, may varydepending on the desired purpose of the treatment, the construction andcharacteristics of the rotor blade, the surroundings etc., which will beapparent to a person skilled in the art.

Preferably, as specified in claim 2, the apparatus is moved essentiallyin a direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, saidapparatus performing a treatment of the rotor blade during at least partof this movement and/or standstill, preferably of the surface.

In this manner, a treatment is obtained which may be carried outcontinuously while the apparatus is moved up and down the rotor blade,or it is possible to carry out treatment in steps so that the apparatusis moved stepwise. Combinations of these forms of treatment arenaturally also possible. The method may thus be carried out by means ofan apparatus whose design is limited in size, weight and/or complexity.

According to another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 3, theapparatus is moved by means of one or more means carrying out a pullsuch as lines, wires or the like, positioned adjacent to the root of therotor blade, at the top of the windmill tower and/or at the nacelle ofthe windmill.

In this manner, the method may be applied even from ground level, from avehicle or from a vessel by the apparatus being pulled up to a rotorblade stopped in a position essentially pointing downwards, and be movedup and down along it. It should be noted that said positioning may becarried out in various ways, e.g. by placing a fastening part on therotor blade, on one or both of the other rotor blades, on the nacelle oron the tower, or by utilizing existing possibilities for placing saidlines or the like near the root of the rotor blade, e.g. at the nacelleor at the top of the tower.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 4,the apparatus is moved by controlling a pull in said means forexercising a pull.

In this manner, a pull in said lines or the like may be obtained bymeans of e.g. a hoist which may be mounted on a means of transportation,on the ground or on the windmill, or otherwise appropriately located,said lines being connected to the apparatus. These lines may e.g. be ledover tackles or the like at said positioning.

According to an alternative embodiment, as specified in claim 5, theapparatus is moved by carrying out a controlled pull in said meansexercising a pull.

In this manner, it is possible to apply the method by having theapparatus feature means for moving up and down along said lines or thelike. Such means may e.g. be motors with drive wheels, rollers,cylinders or the like, in engagement with the lines.

According to another embodiment, as specified in claim 6, the apparatusis moved by applying force to the rotor blade at least partly in thedirection of a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade. In this manner,said movement may be obtained wholly or partially by the apparatusexercising direct action on the rotor blade via e.g. driving wheelsintegrated in the apparatus.

According to another embodiment, as specified in claim 7, the apparatusmay be moved by exercising force between the apparatus and part of thewindmill tower, such as a guide rail positioned on the windmill tower.Such a part, which may be designed as a guide, pull and/or frictionrail, may potentially form a permanent part of the windmill tower sothat the method according to the invention may be applied without anyspecial preparation.

Preferably, as specified in claim 8, said surface treatment may compriseone or more of the following, namely:

-   -   cleaning such as washing, potentially with pressurized water and        potentially by utilizing special cleaning articles, brushes        and/or sealing agents,    -   other cleaning, potentially by utilizing mechanical means,    -   painting, such as applying paint, lacquer and/or similar means,    -   pre-treatment, incl. cleaning, degreasing, sanding etc.,    -   after-treatment, such as e.g. drying, potentially by utilizing        air and potentially heated air, heating such as radiation e.g.        created electrically, polishing etc.,    -   sealing of the surface, potentially by wax or other        corresponding means,    -   surface treatment comprising treatment of the surface with the        aim of repelling dirt and/or maintenance such as applying wax,        sealing agents and/or similar means,    -   inspection and/or testing of surface or parts hereof,    -   inspection and/or testing of the rotor blade as such, incl. the        underlying parts hereof,    -   measurements carried out on or in connection with the rotor        blade or the windmill, and    -   other treatment of the surface of the rotor blade, incl.        preventive treatment, repairs or the like.

In this manner, a preferred method is obtained by means of which saidtreatments may be carried out. Especially in connection with cleaning,it should be mentioned that the surface of the rotor blade may be rinsedfor the above-mentioned dirt covers compiled over time, which may be ashort or long period of time depending on the location of the windmill.

Furthermore, it should be noted that said surface treatment may consistof applying paint, lacquer or the like, which may e.g. be advantageous,if/when the surface of a rotor blade has been seriously scratched, worndown or otherwise had its surface coat damaged, e.g. after (rough)cleaning of the surface for dirt etc.

By this advantageous embodiment, another effect is obtained since suchsubsequent surface treatment may have several advantages. Firstly,re-soiling of the surface will not take place as quickly as on anon-treated surface, secondly the useful life of the surface, andthereby the rotor blade, may be increased for example if the surfacetreatment comprises means for protection against deterioration, e.g. dueto sunlight, UV-radiation in general etc., and thirdly, the aerodynamicconditions of the rotor blade are improved so that an increase in theefficiency, and consequently an increase in energy production of thewindmill, is obtained.

Furthermore, painting may prolong the remaining useful life of awindmill wing, just as an improvement in efficiency may be obtained.

The invention also relates to an apparatus for treatment of a surface ofa rotor blade on a windmill, said apparatus according to the inventioncomprising means for transfer of movement in relation to the rotor bladeand in such a manner that said apparatus is displaceable in relation tothe rotor blade, and said apparatus comprising means for treatment ofthe surface of the rotor blade.

In this manner, the apparatus may carry out a treatment of the rotorblade without having to arrange for hoisting arrangements, scaffolds orthe like, necessary in connection with manual treatment. Further, it isavoided that persons need to carry out such a treatment, such as washingand sealing of the rotor blades, at the relevant unfavourable conditionswhich means that an improvement in the working environment may beobtained. Further, the apparatus offers the possibility of a high degreeof automation of such treatment processes, just as the treatments may becarried out quicker and more efficiently. Naturally, this may alsoresult in an increase in the operating ratio of a windmill, on whichsuch treatment by such an apparatus has been carried out, just as anincrease in the useful life of the windmill may be obtained, dependingon the nature of treatment, thereby making it a financial gain to theowner and to society.

It is obvious that the type and nature of such means for treatment,which may naturally comprise more parts, mounted in, on or next to theapparatus, or simply one part mounted as a single unit, may varydepending on the desired purpose of the treatment, the construction andcharacteristics of the rotor blade, the surroundings etc., which will beapparent to a person skilled in the art.

Preferably, as specified in claim 10, said means for transmission ofmovement in relation to the rotor blade may comprise one or more meansfor exercising a pull such as lines, wires or the like, positioned nearthe root of the rotor blade, at the top of the windmill tower and/or athe nacelle of the windmill.

In this manner, the apparatus may be pulled up even from ground level,from a vehicle or from a vessel, to a rotor blade stopped in a positionessentially pointing downwards, and be moved up and down along it. Itshould be noted that said positioning may be carried out in variousways, e.g. by placing a fastening part on the rotor blade, on one orboth of the other rotor blades, on the nacelle or on the tower, or byutilizing already existing possibilities for placing said lines or thelike near the root of the rotor blade, e.g. at the nacelle or at the topof the tower.

In yet another advantageous embodiment, as specified in claim 11, saidmeans for exercising a pull may be connected to the apparatus and mayextend in the direction towards the positioning at which the pulldirection is changed.

In this manner, the apparatus may be moved by exercising a pull in saidlines or the like by means of e.g. a hoist mounted on a means oftransportation, on the ground on or near the windmill or otherwiseappropriately located, and said lines being connected to the apparatus.These lines may e.g. lead over a tackle or the like at the position atwhich the pull direction is changed.

In yet another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 12, saidmeans exercising a pull may be connected to said positioning, and saidapparatus may comprise means for exercising a pull in this or thesemeans. In this manner, the means of the apparatus for moving up and downalong said lines or the like may pull the apparatus up and down therotor blade, e.g. by running up and down these lines or the like. Suchpulling means may e.g. be motors with drive wheels, rollers, cylindersor the like engaging the lines.

Preferably, as specified in claim 13, said means for transfer ofmovement in relation to the rotor blade comprises means for flexiblygripping around two surfaces of the rotor blade essentially locatedacross from each other.

The means for flexibly gripping around two surfaces of the rotor bladeessentially located across from each other may preferably comprisewheels or similar known means, which may be pressed against the surfaceby means of e.g. hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically drivenmeans. The two surfaces of the rotor blade located across from eachother may e.g. be the leading and trailing edges of the rotor blade butit may naturally also be other surfaces, just as more than two surfacesmay be involved. Thus, means for flexibly pressing against the rotorblade may be located in all appropriate places, especially in closeproximity to the front and back edges, so that a sufficient degree offixation of the apparatus to the rotor blade may be obtained and so thatthe apparatus is capable of moving in the essentially longitudinaldirection of the rotor blade.

Preferably, as specified in claim 14, said means for transfer ofmovement in relation to the rotor blade comprises drive means for movingthe apparatus in said direction of the longitudinal axis, said drivemeans being incorporated in the apparatus.

In this manner, said means may serve two purposes, since they partly fixthe apparatus onto the rotor blade, and partly carry out a drive up anddown the rotor blade, preferably in an automated manner, but in certainsituations and according to certain embodiments also in a semi-automatedor manually controlled manner. It is advantageous to have electricmotors carry out the drive, whereby an appropriate and fairly simple andeasy construction may be created, since the electric motors may belocated in immediate proximity of the wheels, and potentially even beintegrated with the wheels, as is known from other technical areas.However, the drive means may also be of other types such as thehydraulic type, the pneumatic type or the like, as will be apparent to aperson skilled in the art.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 15,said means for transfer of movement in relation to the rotor blade maycomprise drive means and/or control means arranged on or at the windmilltower, e.g. in the form of a guide rail positioned on the windmilltower. Such drive means and/or control means, which may be designed as aguide, pull or friction rail, may constitute a permanent part of thewindmill tower, so that the apparatus according to the invention may beapplied without any preliminary arrangements. The apparatus may thus bedesigned with a drive motor or the like, which engages directly orindirectly with for instance a guide rail on the windmill tower.

According to the embodiment specified in claim 16, said means fortreatment of the surface of a rotor blade is designed to carry out oneor more of the following forms of treatment, namely

-   -   cleaning of the surface, preferably by means of water,        potentially pressurized water and/or potentially by utilizing        special cleaning articles and/or sealing agents,    -   other cleaning, potentially by utilizing mechanical means,    -   painting, such as application of paint, lacquer and/or similar        means,    -   pre-treatment, incl. cleaning, degreasing, sanding etc.,    -   after-treatment, such as e.g. drying, potentially by utilizing        dry air and potentially heated air, heating such as radiation        for instance created electrically, polishing etc.,    -   sealing of the surface, potentially by wax or other similar        means,    -   surface treatment by applying a preserving means such as wax        and/or a sealing agents to the surface,    -   inspection and/or testing of surface or parts hereof,    -   inspection and/or testing of the rotor blade as such, incl.        underlying parts hereof,    -   measurements etc. carried out on or in connection with the rotor        blade or the windmill, and/or    -   other treatment of the surface or rotor blade, incl. preventive        treatment, repairs or the like.

In this manner, a preferred embodiment of the apparatus is obtained,whereby said forms of treatment may be carried out. Especially inconnection with the cleaning, it should be mentioned that the surface ofthe rotor blade may be efficiently rinsed for the above-mentioned dirtcompiled over a period of time, which may be a short or long period oftime depending on the location of the windmill.

Furthermore, said means for treatment of the surface of the rotor blademay advantageously be designed to apply a preserving means such as waxand/or other sealing agents, just as it may be designed to apply paint,lacquer and similar means.

With this preferred embodiment, yet another effect is obtained by theapparatus according to the invention, since such subsequent surfacetreatment may have several advantages. Firstly, re-soiling of thesurface will not take place as quickly as on a non-treated surface,secondly the useful life of the surface and thereby the rotor blade maybe increased, e.g. if the surface treatment comprises means forprotection against deterioration due to e.g. sunlight, UV-radiation ingeneral etc., and thirdly, the aerodynamic conditions of the rotor blademay be improved so that an increase in the operating ratio, andconsequently an increase in the energy production of the windmill, isobtained.

In another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 17, said meansfor treatment of the surface of the rotor blade may comprise means formechanical treatment of the surface, for instance brushes or the like,preferably rotating brushes. In this manner, said cleaning etc. may becarried out in an advantageous manner. For example, rotating brushes ofthe same type as those often used in car wash systems may be used, justas it is possible to apply a control function in relation to forinstance the surface, which corresponds to that used in a car wash.Furthermore, it should be mentioned that such brushes may naturally bepositioned on both sides of the rotor blade and that these brushes maybe positioned above each other in multiple zones. Also, it should bementioned that one single rotating brush with a length corresponding tothe width of the rotor blade may be applied on each side, or morebrushes may be applied in the cross direction. Moreover, it should benoted that rotating brushes may be positioned with their longitudinalaxes in another direction, e.g. in the same direction or essentially inthe same direction as the longitudinal axis of the rotor blade.

In yet another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 18, saidmeans for treatment of the surface of the rotor blade may comprise meanssuch as e.g. nozzles, for application of liquids, powdered materialand/or the like.

In this manner, high-pressure cleaning may be carried out or act as asupplement to the brush cleaning. Furthermore, such nozzles, which maybe located in separate zones in the apparatus, may be used for othermedia than water, e.g. cleaning agents, means for surface treatment, waxtreatment etc.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 19, saidapparatus may comprise an encapsulation, which is preferably essentiallycylindrical in shape.

With this embodiment, appropriate screening of the apparatus againstweather measures is obtained, and a special feature is that liquids,materials and the like from the nozzles etc. may be led over towards theintended areas of the rotor blade in an unhindered manner. Furthermore,a strong, stable and light construction which may serve as the basicpart of the apparatus may be obtained.

In yet another preferred embodiment, as specified in claim 20, theapparatus may comprise means for sealing against a rotor blade,preferably at the bottom of said encapsulation. In this manner, it isnot only ensured that the wind may not blow through the apparatus, butalso that water, cleaning articles etc. may not run down the rotor bladein an unhindered manner, and thus result in pollution of the environmentin adverse circumstances. Furthermore, with this embodiment anadvantageous lead-down or downwards pumping of these liquids andmaterials may be established, so that they may be accumulated andremoved in a secure manner and maybe be recycled. It should be notedthat a similar sealing may be designed at the upper part of theapparatus.

According to the embodiment specified in claim 21, the apparatus mayadvantageously feature means for inspection of the rotor blade, such aoptical inspection by means of vision equipment, and/or equipmentcarrying out measurements or control of the rotor blade.

In this manner, a manual inspection of the rotor blade may be carriedout of its condition and/or of the result of an ongoing or completedtreatment. It should be understood that a monitor will be located in oron the vessel or vehicle, e.g. together with control equipment, by meansof which the person operating the apparatus according to the inventionmay monitor the work and inspect the surface. Thus, it will also bepossible to interrupt the automatic progress of the apparatus, if thereis a spot which has not been properly cleaned or is particularly dirty,and let the apparatus treat such a spot again. Also, the visionequipment, camera etc. also allow for meticulous control of theapparatus, e.g. up to the tip of the rotor blade (or to a level abovethis), at which the apparatus may initiate its work process, just as itmay ease control in other ways.

Finally, as specified in claim 22, the apparatus may feature lightingmeans.

In this manner, the apparatus according to the invention may be utilizedeffectively, since it will not be necessary to limit operation toperiods of daylight. This is particularly important when taking intoaccount the fact that operation must be carried out during periods withlimited wind speeds. Once periods with the right limited wind speeds arepresent, it will be possible to carry out operation 24 hours a day whenthe apparatus is provided with lighting means, which will also result inoptimal utilization of the equipment, just as it will be cost-saving inconnection with e.g. contract work. Furthermore, lighting will beadvantageous with respect to e.g. windmills at sea, since it is possibleupon arrival at the wind power farm by vessel to continue operation withthe equipment in an unhindered manner despite darkness, so thatefficient utilization of the equipment and a reduction of thetransportation time may be obtained. Correspondingly, the same willapply to wind power parks on land in remote areas.

Moreover, the apparatus may be designed to move independently inrelation to the rotor blade, possibly by wireless control and/ormonitoring, and the apparatus may be designed with storage means, suchas tanks or the like, for the necessary treatment means.

It should be noted that the apparatus according to the invention willpreferably be designed in such a manner that it may operate in a highlyautomated manner once it has been positioned on a rotor blade. Thus theapparatus, when designed for cleaning, washing etc., will have thecharacter of a washing robot and may for example be designed in such amanner that it is possible to enter the desired form of treatment, e.g.the desired washing program, such as washing with subsequent sealing andinspection, just as it will be possible to enter the type of wind milland/or the size of the rotor blade, after which the apparatus, forinstance the washing robot, will automatically carry out the program,possibly by use of cooperating sensors etc. to indicate when theapparatus has reached an end of the rotor blade etc., as will bewell-known from other areas using automated control.

Due to the automated characteristics and the method of operation, thewashing robot is also referred to as the Aqua Spider.

It will also be obvious that the apparatus should be able to adapt toe.g. varying widths along a rotor blade which is the reason why it willbe flexible in design with for instance control of support wheels,rotating brushes etc. which are individually adaptable under the controlof control equipment which may, in turn, be hydraulically, pneumaticallyor electrically driven. In practice, however, there will be limits tosuch flexibility, since an apparatus will have a minimum and a maximumoperating width. Thus, it is advantageous to manufacture apparatusesincrementing in steps so that each type will be able to treat rotorblades belonging to a given size interval.

At the same time, it is possible to carry out treatment of both sides ofthe rotor blade simultaneously by the method and the apparatus accordingto the invention, but it is also possible to design the apparatus insuch a manner that only one side is treated if desirable.

It should moreover be noted that the apparatus is designed in such amanner that is possesses the necessary strength and rigidity whileminimizing the weight. This is done by using the available andappropriate materials at the time in question, which may be used withrespect to the requirements of strength, rigidity and weight.Furthermore, the construction with the cylindrical or can-shapedstructure will ensure a stable and rigid construction.

Finally, it should be noted that a basic part with chambers for water,treatment means for cleaning and sealing, control equipment, monitor,the necessary components for electrical supply, hydraulic or pneumaticsystems etc. may be designed in one single unit, which may e.g. bepositioned on a trailer together with the apparatus according to theinvention, or which may easily be positioned on e.g. a truck, a barge oranother vessel, so that transportation etc. to the wind mills is madeeasy.

Also, it should be noted that in certain embodiments and by certainapplications, the apparatus according to the invention may be utilizedby wireless control of the apparatus, and that it may even have its ownenergy supply, e.g. in the form of a built-in battery, just as theapparatus may be designed with tanks for water, cleaning articles,sealing agents etc., so that the apparatus may constitute a separateunit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be described in detail in the following withreference to the drawings, in which

FIG. 1 illustrates utilization of an embodiment of the invention inconnection with a land-based wind mill,

FIG. 2 illustrates utilization of an embodiment of the invention inconnection with a wind mill based at sea,

FIG. 3 is a sectional and schematic view of a general embodiment of anapparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 4 illustrates utilization of yet another embodiment of theinvention in connection with a land-based wind mill,

FIGS. 5 a & b are side views of embodiments of an apparatus according tothe invention during treatment of a rotor blade,

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 5 a,

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of an apparatus according to yet anotherembodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8 shows a cross section corresponding to that of FIG. 7, but inwhich the utilization of control and support means have also beenillustrated.

FIG. 9 shows a cross section of an embodiment of a control wheel, and

FIG. 10 shows a control unit comprising several of these control wheels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a commonly known land-based windmill 1 seen from aposition directly in front of the rotor blades. Such a commonly knownwindmill 1 comprises a windmill tower 2 positioned on a foundation onthe ground 3. A nacelle 4 has been positioned at the top of the windmilltower 2, and comprises a generator, gear mechanisms, control equipment,beddings etc., which may be turned depending on the direction of thewind as already known. Thus, the nacelle 4 also carries the rotor hub 7,upon which a number, in this case 3—which is most often the case—rotorblades 5, have been placed. These rotor blades 5, often applied in sucha manner that they may essentially be turned around a longitudinal axisin correspondence with wind speed etc., may have wing tips 6 asillustrated depending on their type and brand. However, rotor bladeswithout such special wing tips are also known but what the rotor bladesusually have in common is that the width of the rotor blade at the tipwill be fairly small/limited.

An apparatus according to the invention for treatment, e.g. washing andsealing of the rotor blades 6, is shown in FIG. 1 in a stylistic mannerand is marked 10. In the following, this apparatus will also be referredto as a washing robot (Aqua Spider), despite the fact that it is capableof carrying a several additional functions than that of simply carryingout a washing as will be described in the following.

As will also be apparent from the following, the apparatus 10 will beable to move in various ways in relation to the rotor blade 6 and itwill also be possible to place it or guide it up to and along the rotorblade 6 in various ways. One of the ways are illustrated in FIG. 1,namely in which a vehicle 8, e.g. a truck, mobile crane or the like,with a mounted crane 9 or a similar hoist or lift arrangement as shownin the figure, is designed to lift the apparatus 10 according to theinvention up towards a rotor blade 6 to be rinsed, for example.

As shown, the vehicle may be a truck or a crane vehicle, but the typeand size of the vehicle may vary considerably, in particular in relationto the size of the windmill in question, the length of the rotor bladesand the height up to which the apparatus according to the inventionshould be elevated. Thus, a trailer with a mounted hoist arrangement maybe used or a unit comprising a hoist arrangement, an apparatus with awashing rotor, tanks and control equipment may be placed on a trailer oranother light vehicle.

Since the apparatus according to the invention is designed with focus onlow weight as will be explained later, light vehicles may be used toelevate the apparatus according to the invention, even in relation torelatively large windmills. Furthermore, the type of hoist arrangementmay vary considerably which will be obvious from the examples presentedbelow.

As indicated, the washing robot or apparatus 10 is connected to wiresand/or hoses 11, which lead down to a unit generally marked 12 via thehoist arrangement 9, and which may e.g. comprise a water tank, tank(s)with cleaning agents, surface treatment means, sealing agents etc., aswill be explained in detail below. Furthermore, the unit 12 may comprisevarious arrangements or components such as hydraulic equipment,pneumatic equipment, pumps, control equipment, power supply componentsand/or the like. As illustrated, the washing robot 10 is carried by theextreme part of the crane or hoist arrangement 9, which may betelescopically displaceable and applied as illustrated, and in such amanner that the inclination of the crane arm may be altered and turnedaround a vertical axis. It is obvious that the crane or the hoistarrangement 9 may be designed in another known manner and with otherpossibilities for adjustments/alterations of the position of the washingrobot 10 at the end of the crane or the hoist arrangement 9.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the washing robot 10 isguided to the tip of the rotor blade 5, which is placed in a positionpointing vertically downwards. Once the washing robot 10 has been guidedup to an appropriate position, i.e. a position in which the washingrobot 10 may grip around the rotor blade 5, the connection to the craneor the hoist arrangement 9 may be released. The washing robot may thenmove on its own in an automated manner in relation to the rotor blade,as will be explained in detail below. Alternatively, the apparatus maybe guided up and/or pulled up by means of lines, wires or the like,according to a preferred embodiment as will also be explained below.

Further, the invention may be utilized in connection with sea (orwater-based) windmills as illustrated by FIG. 2. This figure shows awindmill 1 as described above positioned on a windmill foundation 13 ina water-covered area 14. A vessel 15 is provided with a crane or a hoistarrangement 9 corresponding to that described above, said crane or hoistarrangement 9 being capable of lifting a washing robot 10 up to andpotentially over the tip of a rotor blade 5. As explained above, thewashing robot 10 is connected to wires and/or hoses 11, which lead downto a unit, generally marked 12, via the crane or hoist arrangement andwhich may e.g. comprise a water tank, tank(s) with cleaning articles,surface treatment means, sealing agents etc. as will be described indetail below.

As explained above, the hoist arrangement 9 may be designed in everyimaginable way as long as it is capable of lifting the apparatus up tothe required height, and the vessel used does not have to be designed inany particular way. Thus, it may simply be a barge or the like, uponwhich the hoist arrangement 9 and said unit 12 with supply chamber(s),control equipment etc. may be located. However, it is desirable to havethe hoist arrangement feature some kind of control unit so that it wouldbe easy for the user to have the apparatus according to the inventionassume the right starting position in relation to the rotor blade.

An apparatus or washing robot 10 will be described in detail withreference to FIG. 3. As illustrated, the apparatus has an encompassingshell or encapsulation 20 which may e.g. be cylindrical or essentiallycylindrical. It is understood that when in operation, the washing robot10 should be able to move up and down a rotor blade with the rotor bladeextending through the apparatus 10 in parallel with the longitudinalaxis of the apparatus.

The apparatus may feature several treatment zones, e.g. the illustratedzones 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the zones21, 23 and 25 have been designed as areas with a number of nozzles 26 orthe like, which may spray fluids such as water, cleaning articles,surface treatment means etc. but also means in powdered form, onto thesurface of the rotor blade. Furthermore, air, potentially heated air,may be blown thorough the nozzles 26 for drying the surface.

The zones 22 and 24 are designed as brushing zones, in which brushes maybe placed, in particular rotating brushes, capable of cleaning thesurface. For instance, such a brushing zone may comprise a rotatingbrush positioned on each side of the apparatus which corresponds to eachside of a rotor blade. Such a rotating brush may be designed with alogitudinally extending middle part, upon which a number of longbristles may be located extending radially outwards. Thus, the brush maybe positioned with its longitudinal axis across the apparatus 10 so thatthe bristles will brush the surface of the rotor blade, once the brushis rotated. It is obvious that the apparatus 10 comprises actuators, forinstance electric motors, for driving the brushes around, andpotentially means for adjusting the distance to the rotor blade, ifnecessary.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, sealing means will be positioned at the ends,and in particular at the lower end, for sealing against the rotor bladeduring operation. The encapsulation 20 may be designed in such a mannerthat the ends feature inverted edges, however this is limited by theshape of the rotor blade and its dimension variation in the longitudinaldirection. In order to ensure that the means utilized for treatment,such as water, cleaning articles, surface treatment means etc., may becollected, and to ensure that the wind does not lead such means awayfrom the rotor blade, sealings may be provided at the ends, for instanceat the bottom as illustrated. Such sealings may be in the shape ofrubber sealing or other flexible sealing agents 30. Thus, it is alsopossible to have a sealing divided into tongues, which sealing isillustrated in FIG. 3, so that it is ensured that the sealing will abutclosely to the surface of the rotor blade.

Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates a number of connecting wires, hoses,cables or the like 28 a-28 d, which may e.g. be power supply cables,hydraulic or pneumatic hoses, signal wires for e.g. control equipment,wires for vision equipment, hoses for supplying water, cleaning articlesor other means, hoses for discharge of water and other means, e.g. usedwater discharged with dirt and possibly cleaning articles etc.

Instead of having the hoist arrangement lift the apparatus, e.g. thewashing robot, up to the tip of the rotor blade 5, after which thewashing robot moves up the rotor blade, it is possible to use afastening on the windmill, for example in a position at the root of thewindmill near the hub, after which a washing robot, a work platform orthe like may be moved in relation hereto, e.g. by being pulled by meansof wires or the like. This is exemplified in detail in FIGS. 4 to 6which illustrate various designs of such a fastening.

FIG. 4 shows a vehicle 8 provided with an outrigger device 33 usedduring operation of for instance a washing robot 10 on the rotor blades5 of a windmill. As illustrated, a fastening 32 has been applied orpositioned at the root of the rotor blade parked in vertical position,said fastening being connected to a number of wires or the like 34 a, 34b and 34 c, and extending down to the vehicle 8 or to the ground 3. Thewashing robot 10 may be designed in such a manner that it may pullitself up and down these wires 34 a to 34 c, or it may alternatively befixedly mounted to these wires, which may, in turn, be pulled up ordown, e.g. by being led over tackles or the like at the fastening 32, sothat the wires may be pulled up and down by means of for instance ahoist on the vehicle 8.

The fastening on or at the windmill may be established in a number ofways. For example, it is possible to make this fastening permanent onthe windmill, or it may e.g. be fixed to suspension means at each of thetwo other rotor blades near the hub of the rotor as is described in saidGerman utility model publication DE 296 03 278 U. It is also possible toestablish such a fastening by e.g. leading a fastening device up to thehub or another appropriate location on the windmill for positioning,fastening or the like. It will also be possible to have such a fasteningdevice move up and down in a controlled manner, for example by moving itup the rotor blade, and possibly control it by means of the rotor bladeand possibly by own power or lift/elevation. Alternatively, it may bepulled up by means of a wire or the like and by a hoist if such a hoistis mounted to the nacelle 4 of the windmill, to the rotor hub orelsewhere, which is the case with certain windmills.

Once it has reached the root of a rotor blade, which is typicallysmaller in dimension or at least in width, the fastening device 32 maye.g. be fixed by causing it to grip around the rotor blade which may bedone by various means as will be apparent to a person skilled in theart. For example, support parts may abut against the surface of therotor blade as indicated, or a circumferential device constructed bymeans of for example straps, may be tightened around the rotor blade sothat the fastening device 32 will be fixedly mounted to the rotor blade.

Instead of a washing robot or the like, the fastening device 32 may beused to pull a work platform or the like up or down the rotor blade,which method may e.g. be used when the rotor blade needs inspection orrepair, manual maintenance etc. Such a work platform may be designed inessentially the same manner as a washing robot, i.e. with a can-shapedencapsulation and with operating, pulling or control means of the samekind as described here. Thus, it is understood that an apparatus 10according to the invention also includes an apparatus designed for useas a work platform.

However, the fastening device need not be lifted up to the rotor blade 5by means of a crane or the like, but may be lifted up in another mannerby a particularly advantageous embodiment, so that the use of cranedevices, hoists etc. may be avoided which will be explained in detail inthe following.

FIG. 5 a shows an arrangement corresponding to that of FIG. 4 but on alarger scale. Thus, an example of a fastening device 32 is shown as aschematic example of how the fastening may be carried out, e.g. bysupport parts 36 gripping around the root of the rotor blade 5 as shown.Furthermore, an apparatus is schematically shown, e.g. a washing robotor a work platform 10, which may be moved up and down the rotor blade 5.As described above, this movement takes place by means of lines, wiresor the like 34 a, 34 b and 34 c extending down from the fasteningdevice.

At one of the ends, these lines or the like 34 a-c may be connected tothe washing robot 10 and may pass over tackles, wheels or the like onthe fastening device, so that the washing robot may be raised or loweredfrom the ground or the root of the windmill, preferably mechanically. Ahoist or the like positioned at the fastening device may also beapplied.

As specified in FIG. 5 a, the lines or the like 34 a-c may also beconnected to the fastening device 32 so that they extend downwards. Inthe downwards direction, the lines may be fixed to the ground, to theroot of the windmill, for example on or near a means of transportationsuch as a vehicle or a vessel, or potentially higher up such as underthe tip of the rotor blade.

Said lines or the like, of which there may be one, two, three or four orany other appropriate number, may serve to control the movement of thewashing robot, e.g. if the washing robot is capable of moving entirelyor partly on its own up and/or down the rotor blade. However, it mayalso, or alternatively, serve as force transferring means, e.g. if forcetransferring means have been applied in or at the washing robot, so thatit may run up and down the lines. Such force transferring means in thewashing robot may be pulling devices with for instance one or morewheels, cylinders, coils, rollers or the like, driven by a power sourcesuch as an electric motor or by means of hydraulic, pneumatic orcorresponding means.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 a, the lines 34 a-c may be led entirely orpartially through the washing robot 10, e.g. as illustrated by 38, where38 is a guide through a force transferring mechanism or simply a controlfunction. However, the lines may also be led entirely or partiallyoutside of the washing robot, e.g. if the guide organs and/or forcetransferring means have been placed outside the shell or encapsulationof the washing robot.

It should be noted that the apparatus may be moved in relation to therotor blade and moved up to it by means of other means than thosementioned above. Thus, drive means and/or control means may be appliedon or next to the windmill tower. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 b, inwhich such a control means is illustrated as e.g. a guide rail 35positioned essentially vertically of or near the windmill tower 2. Suchdrive means and/or control means, which may e.g. be designed as controland pull or friction rail 37 as illustrated, may potentially form apermanent part of the windmill tower 2. Thus, the apparatus may beprovided with a drive motor or the like, which engages directly orindirectly with for instance a guide rail on the windmill tower. Asillustrated, drive means may thus be designed 37 for grabbing onto oraround the guide rail 35, and be positioned on a connecting part 39 ofthe apparatus 10. It is obvious that other kinds of such accessories tothe windmill or this design of the windmill tower are possible, so thatan apparatus according to the invention may use the windmill tower or apart hereof during upwards or downwards movement.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration corresponding to that of FIG. 5 a, but inwhich it is also illustrated that the apparatus 10 is a washing robot orthe like, which may e.g. have an essentially cylindrical shape with anencapsulation and a number of treatment zones 21, 22, and 23 on top ofeach other, where 21 and 22 may comprise nozzles or the like fordirecting jets—or flows of aerosols, drops etc.—of water, fluids, air,cleaning articles and/or treatment means at the surface of the rotorblade. However, it should be noted that solid materials may also beused, so that dust-like materials, particles or the like may be sprayedout. The treatment zones 22 are designed with rotating brushes asdescribed above and as will be described in detail below. It is obviousthat a washing robot according to the invention may be designed withbrushing zones and/or nozzle zones, just as it is obvious that a sharpdistinction between these zones need not be made. Thus, nozzles may beplaced in immediate connection with the rotating brushes.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the number of zones and theallocation hereof may vary in numerous ways as will be apparent to a manskilled in this technical area. Thus, one single brushing zone, two,three, or more may be placed in vertical direction, and this may also bethe case with respect to the nozzle zones. It is also obvious that anycombination of such number of various zones is possible, so that zonescomprised solely by one or the other kind are also possible.Furthermore, zones of the same type, for instance brushing zones andnozzle zones, may have different designs, or rather variations,depending on e.g. the location in an apparatus, the purpose etc. Thus,an apparatus with two brushing zones may be designed in such a mannerthat these two brushing zones are not necessarily identical, butprovided with varying brushes, varying brushing types, varying lengthsof bristles etc. Correspondingly, nozzle zones—when in excess of one—mayhave different designs, for instance with varying types of nozzles, avarying number of nozzles with differing mutual distances etc. However,it should be understood that nozzles may also vary mutually within oneand the same nozzle zone, for instance in type, mutual location etc.

A construction of an apparatus according to the invention, which isdesigned as a washing robot, will be described in the following withreference to FIG. 7 showing a horizontal section, i.e. a section acrossthe longitudinal axis of the apparatus through such an apparatus, in asituation illustrating treatment of a rotor blade 5.

The section cuts through a brushing zone and it can thus be seen thatthe brushing zone in this embodiment comprises two brushes 40 with onepositioned on each side in the apparatus, so that the two essentiallyopposite surfaces of the rotor blade 5 may be cleaned by means of thesebrushes.

These brushes 40 may comprise an axle, a core part or the like 41, uponwhich a large number of bristles 42 has been positioned radially and inthe longitudinal direction of the axle. It should be understood thatthese rotating brushes 40 may be designed in the same manner as thebrushes commonly used in connection with washing halls and washingmachines for cars. Thus, it can be seen that during rotation, thebristle strokes the surface of the rotor blade upwards over the entirewidth of the rotor blade or essentially over the entire width. As theindividual bristle is of significant length and flexibility, it ispossible to obtain cleaning over the entire width despite the fact thatthe surface of the rotor blade as illustrated curves in the crossdirection, said curves capable of being both convex and concave.

It should be understood that the illustrated rotating brushes have beensuspended in non-illustrated means and are also driven bynon-illustrated means, for example electrically, hydraulically orpneumatically. It should be understood that the brushes may be fixedlypositioned in the apparatus but it should also be understood that theymay be positioned in such a manner that they can be moved in relation tothe surface of the rotor, for example back and forth, in order to adaptto the thickness of the rotor, but potentially also in such a mannerthat the angle in relation to the rotor blade is changed, e.g. withrespect to the fact that the thickness of the rotor blade at the backedge and front edge may vary over the length of the rotor blade. Suchmovements may take place under various forms of control as is known frome.g. washing arrangements for cars, and potentially by use of varioussensors positioned in the apparatus at different locations.

FIG. 7 also shows that the apparatus may comprise an additionalarrangement with nozzles or the like for applying water, fluids,cleaning articles, air, surface treatment means or other. Thisarrangement is roughly sketched as a number of nozzles 46 or the likepositioned on a carrying unit 45 which may e.g. extend over a widthcorresponding to the maximum width of the rotor blade 5. It isunderstood that these nozzles or the like may be positioned in otherways, which include the inner surface of the encapsulation 20 of theapparatus. It is also understood that the carrying units 45 may beflexibly placed in the same way as the rotating brushes, so that theymay be controlled in relation to the surface of the rotor blade, ifappropriate. Furthermore, nozzles may be positioned in special locationsin which the rotating brushes have no immediate possibility of carryingout the cleaning in a satisfactory manner, e.g. at the front edge and/orback edge of the rotor blade. It is understood that the shown nozzleswill be connected to various hoses, piping etc. for conveyance of forinstance water, cleaning articles, air, surface treatment means and thelike.

In FIG. 7, the shell of the apparatus is illustrated in a circular formbut it is understood that other forms are possible such as oval, squareetc., since such forms may potentially improve adaption to the shape ofthe rotor blade, and since such forms may potentially provide improvedand more advantageous utilization of the inside of the shell.

As mentioned above, the apparatus will be moved or move up and down therotor blade during use, which may take place in various manners asexplained above. During this movement, control or positioning inrelation to the rotor blade may take place with the purpose, amongothers, of avoiding damage to both the apparatus and the rotor blade, iffor example parts of the apparatus should touch the rotor blade due toe.g. a wind gust, just as control may ensure a higher quality of thecompleted work. Such control may be established in several ways. Forinstance, as illustrated in FIG. 8, corresponding to FIG. 7, it ispossible to apply a number of control or support wheels 50 and 51,positioned above or below the level of the brushes 40. A control wheel50, which basically has a V-shaped outer face, may e.g. be used forcontrolling at the back edge, i.e. the sharp edge of the rotor blade.The support wheels 51 may be applied in other places, e.g. near thefront edge as illustrated or abutting the front or back of the rotorblade. It is understood that such support wheels may be positioned insuch a manner that they may adapt to the shape and size of the rotorblade which change in the longitudinal direction of the rotor blade. Thesupport wheels may potentially be flexibly suspended, if the issue isone of only minor changes in distance, or they may be suspended in sucha manner that the length is adjusted to the relevant distance of therotor blade. This may be done by having wheels exercise a certain,constant amount of pressure against the rotor blade or otherwise, aswill be known by a person skilled in the art.

A control wheel 50 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 9showing a diametrical cross section of such a wheel. The wheel 50, whichmay be manufactured of an appropriate plastic material, has athrough-going bearing opening 52 for an axle and has a V-shapedcircumferential groove 54 with work surfaces 55 in its periphery 53,which conveniently fit the shape of the sharp edge on a rotor blade 5 asindicated by the dash-dot line. If the edge of the rotor blade is verysharp in relation the to the V-shape of the wheel, it may beadvantageous to have a bottom notch 56 as sketched.

Several of such control wheels may be positioned on top of each other.This is illustrated in FIG. 10 showing for instance four support wheels50 provided in a joint bedding 57. It is obvious that there may be lessor more than the illustrated four wheels 50. As illustrated, drive meansfor one or more of these support wheels 50 may be provided, e.g. in theform of an electric motor 58, connected to a power supply and/or controlsignals via wires 59. One or more of the support wheels 46 may bedriving, i.e. connected to the electric motor 58 or they may beconnected to an electric motor each. However, the drive possibility willonly be of major interest, if the apparatus 10 must be able to moveentirely or partly on its own, and of less interest if the apparatusmust be pulled up and down by means of lines, wires or the like,extending to the root of the rotor blade. As illustrated by the doublearrow, the bedding may be designed in such a manner that it may tip atleast slightly, so that it is adaptable to the surface of the rotorblade 5. Alternatively, each support wheel may be flexibly suspended.

As is apparent, an apparatus designed as a washing robot may carry out anumber of treatment forms, and these may be combined in any imaginableway. Thus, one form of treatment may effect application of adissolvent/cleaning agent, while the apparatus moves or is moved up therotor blade, after which it carries out a washup on the way down.Rotating brushes may be applied during both movements or just during oneof them, preferably the latter. Instead, a washup with pressurized watermay be carried out when heading up and it may comprise cleaning articlesand potentially use brushes, while carrying out some kind of surfacetreatment with a sealing agents when heading back down. In addition, itis obvious that another round (up and/or down) may be carried out fordrying subsequent to the cleaning with water and brushes, e.g. byblowing up compressed air from the vessel or vehicle by means of hosesto the apparatus, by heat radiation from an electric radiation body orsimilarly known means.

By another advantageous work process, the apparatus according to theinvention will initially move up to the rotor blade automatically or bycontrol while spraying a special means onto the rotor blade, said meansbeing capable of dissolving dirt, dead insects, bird droppings etc., asfor instance a means containing a protein-dissolving liquid. Once theapparatus has reached the top, it may wait for the applied means towork. The apparatus will then run downwards again while carrying out ahigh-pressure washing and/or cleaning by using rotating brushes. Oncethe apparatus has reached the tip again, it may initiate a new climbingtowards the top while applying a surface treatment means, such as asealing agent, for protection of the surface against re-soiling, againstdamaging rays such as sun light and ultraviolet radiation in general.Once the apparatus reaches the top again, it may begin its descendimmediately hereafter or it may potentially carry out other operationsduring the descend such as inspection of the rotor blade.

It should be noted that other ways and sequences for carrying out saidor other work processes are possible, which will be apparent to a manskilled in the art. Also, it should be noted that the apparatusaccording to the invention may be utilized for work operations such asapplication of paint, lacquer or other similar means, which mayinitially have involved pre-treatment such as washup, degreasing etc.,just as it may involve finishing such as for instance drying, curingetc. of paint, e.g. by means of hot air, radiation heat created by meansof electric energy etc.

It should be noted that the apparatus according to the invention may beprovided with other equipment, for instance equipment for control and/orinspection of the rotor blade, to determine the condition of the fibreglass surface etc. Such equipment may furthermore comprise visionequipment which may also serve for guiding for the apparatus, fordetecting the degree of surface soil etc.

It should also be noted that the apparatus may be provided with lightingequipment so that utilization of the apparatus according to theinvention at all times of day and around the year is made easier. Thisis particularly advantageous since wind speed may usually not be inexcess of, for instance gale, in order for the apparatus to operate in asafe manner. Once these conditions are present, the apparatus must beused effectively and thus also when it is dark. Furthermore, the issueis also one of being able to carry out cleaning etc. while taking intoconsideration optimal power production of the windmills when the rightwind conditions are present, which again favours effective exploitationof these wind conditions for cleaning, sealing etc. and thus also duringthe evening and at night etc.

In the previous, the invention has been described with reference tospecific embodiments illustrated by the figures. Meanwhile, it isapparent that the invention may be varied in several ways within thescope of the accompanying claims.

Thus, it is obvious that apart from or instead of the illustratednozzles etc. for spraying on water and sealing agents and/or theillustrated rotating brushes, other known means may be used fortreatment.

Further, it is obvious that treatment involves environmentally friendlymeans, i.e. cleaning and sealing agents, which are biologicallydegradable and in no way harmful. It should be noted that the inventionallows controlled application of the means used so that only therequired amount per unit area is used. In terms of e.g. the sealingagents, this implies that such means will usually not be applied in suchamounts that fluids will run down the rotor blade, even though they arecollected by the encapsulation and the sealing against the rotor bladeat the bottom of the apparatus as described above, whereby any surplusfluid or other means may be collected and handled in an environmentallyfriendly manner.

It should be noted that the used nozzles or the like may be used formore or all of the means to be applied, incl. water, just as there maybe special nozzles for one or more of the used means. Also, it isobvious that more hoses or the like may lead up to the apparatus 10 orthat a hose may be used for leading one or more of the means used.

It should also be noted that by the design of the apparatus, it isensured that it has as low a weight as possible which is advantageous interms the apparatus moving easily and safely up and down. Thus, theconstruction of the apparatus takes place with the most optimal andappropriate materials at the time in question, which ensures thenecessary strength and rigidity of the construction while also ensuringthat the weight is kept at a minimum.

It should also be noted that various sensors may be used in connectionwith the apparatus such as distance sensors, detecting wheels, pressuresensors and the like, for e.g. detecting edges, detecting the requiredpressure by support wheels against the rotor blade, detecting frictionetc., and basically for control of the apparatus.

It should also be noted that control equipment, such as for instanceelectronic equipment, control valves etc. for the apparatus, may beplaced on the inside of the encapsulation of the apparatus or on theoutside of it. Also, the control equipment may be on or in the vessel orvehicle, and there may be wires for communication between the apparatusand the vehicle or vessel for communication between these units and thecontrol equipment. However, communication may also be wireless, forinstance by means of Blue Tooth technology or the like.

As for wireless control, it should also be noted that the apparatusaccording to the invention may be designed as an independent unit, sinceit may be provided with its own energy supply, e.g. in the shape ofrechargeable batteries, and with chambers for water, cleaning articles,sealing agents etc. sufficient for one work process, for instancetreatment of one rotor blade.

Furthermore, it should be noted that necessary installations orcomponents may be placed on or in the vehicle or vessel such ashydraulic installations, pneumatic installations, pumps, electric supplyinstallations,—that may be connected to the power line of the windmillor be in the shape of batteries and/or independent mobile generatorinstallations on the vehicle or vessel—and various control andmonitoring installations.

Finally, it should be noted that the apparatus according to theinvention may be utilized to carry any imaginable arrangement which maybe of relevance with respect to treatment and/or inspection etc. of arotor blade. The frame construction or encapsulation of the apparatusmay thus be perceived as a carrying and transporting part which maytransport any kind of equipment to any location on a rotor blade.

1. Method for treatment of a surface of a rotor blade of a windmill,comprising: positioning a rotor blade in an immobile position, providingan apparatus near said rotor blade, said apparatus comprising means forsurface treatment, placing the apparatus to be movable in relation to asurface of the rotor blade, and moving the apparatus depending on atreatment form determined by the means for treatment mounted on, in orat the apparatus, wherein said surface treatment comprises at least oneof: cleaning including washing by pressurized water and by usingcleaning articles, brushes or sealing agents, cleaning includingapplying mechanical means, painting including application of paint orlacquer, pre-treatment including pre-treatment cleaning, degreasing orsanding, finishing including drying by applying air, heated air orradiation heating, or polishing, sealing of the surface by applying waxor corresponding means, surface treatment comprising treatment of thesurface for anti-soiling or maintenance including application of wax orsealing agents, inspection or testing of the surface or parts hereof,inspection or testing of the rotor blade including underlying partsthereof, measurements carried out on or in connection with the rotorblade or the windmill, and treatment of the surface of the rotor bladeincluding preventive treatment or repairs.
 2. Method according to claim1, wherein said moving the apparatus comprises moving essentially in adirection of a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, the method furthercomprising the apparatus carrying out a treatment of the rotor bladeduring at least part of the moving or at a standstill.
 3. Methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said moving the apparatus comprisingcausing the apparatus to move by way of one or more means for exercisinga pull including lines or wires positioned near a root of the rotorblade, at a top of a tower of the windmill or at a nacelle of thewindmill.
 4. Method according to claim 3, further comprising moving theapparatus by controlling a pull in said means for exercising a pull. 5.Method according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus is moved by anapparatus exercising a controlled pull in said means for exercising apull.
 6. Method according to claim 1, wherein said moving the apparatussaid apparatus applying force to the rotor blade at least partly in adirection of a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade.
 7. Method accordingto claim 1, wherein said moving the apparatus comprises applying forcebetween the apparatus and a part of a tower of the windmill by means ofa guide rail placed on the windmill tower.
 8. Apparatus for treatment ofa surface of a rotor blade of a windmill, the apparatus comprising:means for transfer of movement in relation to the rotor blade and insuch a manner that the apparatus is displaceable in relation to therotor blade, and means for surface treatment of the rotor blade, whereinsaid means for surface treatment is configured to facilitate at leastone of: cleaning including washing by pressurized water and by usingcleaning articles, brushes or sealing agents, cleaning includingapplying mechanical means, painting including application of paint orlacquer, pre-treatment including pre-treatment cleaning, degreasing orsanding, finishing including drying by applying air heated air orradiation heating, or polishing, sealing of the surface by applying waxor corresponding means, surface treatment comprising treatment of thesurface for anti-soiling or maintenance including application of wax orsealing agents, inspection or testing of the surface or parts hereof,inspection or testing of the rotor blade including underlying partsthereof, measurements carried out on or in connection with the rotorblade or the windmill, and treatment of the surface or the rotor bladeincluding preventive treatment or repairs.
 9. Apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein said means for transfer of movement in relation to therotor blade comprises one or more means for exercising a pull includinglines or wires positioned near a root the of the rotor blade at apositioning, at a top of the windmill tower or at a nacelle of thewindmill.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said means forexercising a pull is connected to the apparatus and extends toward saidpositioning, at which the direction of pull changes.
 11. Apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein said means for exercising a pull isconnected to said positioning, the apparatus further comprising meansfor exercising a pull in the means.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 8,wherein said means for transfer of movement in relation to the rotorblade comprises means for flexibly gripping around two surfacessubstantially located across from each other.
 13. Apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein said means for transfer of movement in relation to therotor blade comprises drive means for driving the apparatus in thedirection of a longitudinal axis, said drive means being incorporated inthe apparatus.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said meansfor transfer of movement in relation to the rotor blade comprises drivemeans and/or control means arranged on or next to a tower of thewindmill.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said means fortreatment of the surface of the rotor blade comprises means formechanical treatment on the surface including brushes.
 16. Apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein said means for treatment of the surfacecomprises nozzles for application of fluids or powdered material. 17.Apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an encapsulationwhich is substantially cylindrical in shape.
 18. Apparatus according toclaim 17, further comprising means for sealing against a rotor blade ata bottom of said encapsulation.
 19. Apparatus according to claim 8,further comprising means for inspection of the rotor blade including atleast one of optic inspection by means of vision equipment and equipmentfor carrying out measurements on or control of the rotor blade. 20.Apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising lighting means. 21.Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said drive means and/or controlmeans comprises a guide rail placed on the windmill tower.